Dang, another hot & humid ride. As soon as each of us assembled our bikes, we immediately headed to the shady area. Above, Doug and Glen roll in.

Traditional ride leader Gus Cook had not arrived by the usual start time so I nominated Doug McConaha as the replacement ride leader and off we went. As Jeff S noted, it's not like we have to argue about the route since this ride follows the same route each week. Other than the ride out 161, which gets kind of boring, it's a good route thereafter with a mix of hills and rollers.

On our way out 161, we picked up the tardy Gus as well as John and Anthony Sada and with that we had 19 as we rolled into Alexandria. The pace was maybe a little higher than normal as we entered Alex at over 20mph. As usual, the strongest in the group didn't work us over too badly so any level B could probably hang in there or at least catch us on the regroup points, of which there are 2-3 along the route.

The 2nd regroup point, after the Stone Quarry climbs, allows everyone to fill up on fluids. Jon Morgan doing just that as he looks back to study the carnage left in his wake.

We, the carnage, catch back on and are allowed a moment to also tank up. The stops provided no relief though because it was then that the humidity, heat and sun really made their presence known. In fact, as the last of our group caught on, Crazy George, he urged us to get going as he was not going to pause. Numerous turns later, we rolled back into the parking lot with a 20.3 avg for 38 miles. A good group ride with something for everyone.